Latest Headlines

Former academic Tim Atterton believes Australia's tax system sets up small business for failure in times like these by discouraging the retention of profits, distracting management and undermining strong balance sheets.

Boutique private equity firm InGlobo Asset Management Pty Ltd is looking for more acquisitions in the mining services sector after its debut purchase of Integrated Industrial Mining Supply Pty Ltd.

While the short-term macro-economic picture looks increasingly bleak, many still believe in the Western Australian story, driven by an insatiable demand for raw materials from China and other developing nations.

COLIN Barnett has raised his hand for another tilt at the Liberal Party leadership but first has to find an electorate, after Deidre Willmott said she wanted to continue as the endorsed candidate f

Following a win at the shareholders meeting earlier this week, Gary Stokes has been appointed as chief executive and managing director of West Australian Metals Ltd.

Nickel producer Mincor Resources NL will place its Wannaway mine on care and maintenance at the end of the week as remnant mining draws to an end.

Cape Lambert Iron Ore Ltd has today completed settlement of the $400 million sale of its namesake project to China Metallurgical Group Corp as it receives the first payment of $240 million.

Atlas Iron Ltd has sealed a port-access deal with Fortescue Metals Group at its new Port Hedland facilities while another agreement has been reached for the iron ore miner to earn up to an 87.5 per cent interest in Atlas' Abydos iron ore project.

Wesfarmers has committed $4.5 million for the establishment of a new centre dedicated to boosting the number of cutting-edge medical research discoveries that go from the laboratory bench to a patient's bedside.

Rio Tinto will contribute $5 million towards the establishment of Australia's first emergency jet service for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, where jets will be able to fly from Kununurra to Perth in three hours.

Former biotechnology company EQiTX Ltd has completed its transformation into a coal producer and explorer following a name change to Equatorial Coal Ltd.

Billionaire Clive Palmer's Resource Development International Ltd has made a formal bid for Australasian Resources Ltd, which is set to play a key role in the mining of 20 billion tonnes of iron ore from the Balmoral tenements in Western Australia.

Liberal member Deidre Willmott has announced she will step aside as the endorsed candidate for the seat of Cottesloe as new leader Colin Barnet indicated he will revisit plans for a water canal from the Kimberley to Perth.

The Carpenter government has ordered a review into the security of the state's gas supplies following two major interruptions this year as gas begins to flow at Apache Energy Ltd's Varanus Island facility today.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA has used the corporate watchdog's inquiry into grocery prices to back its calls for a reform to the state's "archaic" retail trading hours.

Shares in Atlas Iron Ltd have been placed in a trading halt pending an announcement regarding the signing of a material agreement.

QRSciences Holdings Ltd has entered into a share exchange agreement with a United States company to sell its private arm that specialises in developing technology systems in a scrip and cash deal worth $A12 million.

Emerging junior iron ore producers in the Pilbara have been given a boost today after the North West Iron Ore Alliance secured two new multi-user berths in the Port Hedland inner habour.

West Perth-based Azure Minerals Ltd plans to raise $3 million through a share purchase plan with shares offered at a discounted 12.5 cents.

The State Government has approved a new assessment system to encourage mine owners to fulfil their tenement obligations for mine closure and rehabilitation, which has been welcomed by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy and the Conservation Council of WA.

Litigation funder IMF (Australia) Ltd will pocket over $3 million after conditional settlement was reached in the Shenton Park Retirement Village matter.

Perth-based Carnegie Corporation had been issued a five-year exclusive licence to identify suitable areas for a wave energy facility off Albany's coastline.

Colin Barnett has raised his hand for another tilt at the Liberal Party leadership but first has to find an electorate after Deidre Willmott said she wanted to continue as the endorsed candidate for his seat of Cottesloe.

West Perth-based Uranium Equities has lodged a provisional patent application in the United States relating to the extraction of uranium from wet phosphoric acid.

Education group Navitas Ltd has posted record earnings for the 2008 financial year with the substantial increase in student enrolments underpinning the group's success.

Part owner of Australia's iconic gold mine, Newmont Mining Ltd, is reportedly considering selling its stake in the Kalgoorlie Super Pit.

Former opposition leader Colin Barnett has today put his hand up for the Liberal Party leadership with members of the political party to formally vote tomorrow.

Macmahon Holdings Ltd has jumped the gun in its takeover bid for Ausdrill Ltd, extending the offer period by one month and allowing Ausdrill shareholders the right to withdraw acceptances.

Perth-based specialist treasury systems provider CCK Financial Solutions Ltd has received a letter of intent from National Australia Bank for the purchase of the Guava Suite treasury management system.

Liberal Party MPs with leadership aspirations should cast them aside for the sake of the party, says Capel MP Steve Thomas, and make way for former leader Colin Barnett to take the helm.

West Perth-based Mirabela Nickel Ltd has drawn down $US50 million of an $US80 million financing facility secured last month to progress its Santa Rita project in Brazil.

Shares in Australasian Resources Ltd have been placed in a trading halt pending an announcement relating to the takeover proposal from billionaire Clive Palmer's Resource Development International Ltd.